periodo
/peh-ree-OH-doh/
period
Showing a time span or duration.
periodo(noun)
period
?time span or duration
,time
?general duration
phase
?a stage in a process
,duration
?length of time
📝 In Action
El periodo de construcción duró tres meses.
A1The construction period lasted three months.
Necesitamos un periodo de prueba antes de decidir.
A2We need a trial period before deciding.
Este es un periodo muy importante para la compañía.
B1This is a very important time for the company.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'periodo' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el periodo.' This is true even though many words ending in '-o' in Spanish are masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Common Usage
While 'periodo' is common, for short, general time spans, 'tiempo' (time) or 'rato' (while) might sound more natural in informal conversation. Use 'periodo' when defining a specific, fixed duration.
Representing an academic or school session.
periodo(noun)
term
?academic or school session
,quarter
?sports or financial division
semester
?academic term
📝 In Action
El primer periodo escolar comienza en septiembre.
B1The first school term starts in September.
Solo quedan dos minutos en el último periodo del partido.
B2There are only two minutes left in the last quarter of the game.
El presidente tiene un periodo de mandato de cuatro años.
B2The president has a four-year term of office.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When talking about school, 'periodo' often refers to the entire 'semester' or 'term,' not just a single class session (which is usually 'clase' or 'hora').
Referring to menstruation.
📝 In Action
Mi periodo siempre llega el mismo día.
B2My period always arrives on the same day.
Durante su periodo, ella prefiere descansar.
B2During her period, she prefers to rest.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Trap
Even when referring to menstruation, 'periodo' remains masculine: 'el periodo'. Be careful, as other common words for this, like 'la regla,' are feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Euphemisms
'El periodo' is a very common and direct way to talk about menstruation. Other common euphemisms are 'la regla' (the rule) or sometimes 'estar indispuesta' (to be indisposed).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: periodo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'periodo' to refer to an academic or governmental time frame?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'periodo' the same as 'hora' (hour/class)?
No. While 'periodo' refers to a duration of time, in a school setting, 'periodo' usually means the entire semester or term. A single class session is usually called 'la clase' or 'la hora de clase'.
Why is 'periodo' masculine if it relates to 'periodicidad' (feminine)?
'Periodo' is a masculine noun because of its direct derivation from the Greek/Latin form, which ended in a masculine marker. Even though its related abstract noun 'periodicidad' (periodicity) ends in '-dad' and is feminine, 'periodo' must always be used with masculine articles (el, un).